To catch a Sailor Senshi...
Chapter 6
Hotaru landed in the same picnic grove she had left over a week ago. She managed to retain consciousness, but her first few moments were a bit fuzzy and she could have sworn she heard the words, "I love you too, Hota-chan..." echoing around her. She shook her head to clear it and wiped the tears threatening to spill over from her eyes.
She took in her surroundings relatively calmly. She could see the charred bushes where she first left Tokyo, the burned circle of oddly purplish grass her transport had left, the tree which a large centipede like Youma was climbing down...
Without a second thought, she reached to her side and grasped at the non existent pouch that had been sitting there for weeks. With a grimace, she re-aimed her hand at the air and pulled out her transformation wand. With the fingers of her other hand crossed, she closed her eyes.
"Saturn Power.... MAKE UP!"
She breathed a sigh of relief when the typical shining lights and colorful ribbons began to enfold her. As she reached up and danced with the purple light, helping it along, she felt the faintest tremor in the power.
"No... NO!" she cried as her transformation faltered and stopped. She glanced down at herself and took in a sorry sight. She was half dressed in her normal clothes and half transformed into her Saturn self. A quick glance up proved that the Youma hadn't stopped it's steady progress to the ground.
Grabbing her wand again, she de-transformed. Rooting around in the purse that had taken place of her backpack, she pulled out her senshi communicator. Hitting the little red button on the side, she activated the distress call.
Squaring her shoulders and calling her Silence Glaive to her, she turned to face the creature. It had reached the ground and was headed toward the park exit.
"Hey! Ugly! You want to play?" called Hotaru.
The Youma slowed down, then turned and took notice of the diminutive woman threatening it. It gave a toothy smirk and rushed back at her figuring it could make a quick meal of her.
Hotaru vaulted into the air over the speedy demon and landed behind it. While it was still recovering, she gave it a jab with the sharp end of her glaive. The staff did little harm to the thickly plated armor on the creature, but it served to annoy it. It turned on Hotaru, rage glinting in it's eyes. Hotaru took an involuntary step back and looked around for anywhere she could jump to on next charge.
Her eye settled on the tree the thing had come from and she jumped for it just in time. She hit the lower branch and started climbing. Her glaive was only getting in the way, so she let it drop to the ground. It hadn't even helped against the beast and she couldn't invoke the attacks without her senshi form.
She sprang nimbly from branch to branch, achieving a good height in a few minutes. She heard the inner and outer senshi crashing through the undergrowth beneath her, she breathed a sigh of relief. They called out to her, and she paused on her branch to reply,
"I'm up he- AIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" She hadn't even checked for the youma, and it had never occurred to her it could climb up after her. BAKA! That's how it got DOWN! She looked at the pincer embedded into her right arm and bit back another scream. "Somebody.. Please... HELP!" she cried, her voice on the edge of hysteria.
"Hotaru-chan?" yelled Chibi-Usa. "Is that really you?"
Hotaru figured that she wasn't going to get out of this soon even with senshi aid, so she gritted her teeth and *yanked*.
Her arm came free of the pincer embedded in it but the force of her tug sent her sailing out of the branches. She hit the ground on her back and had the wind knocked out of her. The other Sailors saw her fall and rushed to her side.
"Hotaru? What happened???" asked Usagi, staring at the blood welling out of Hotaru's arm. She lifted her good arm and pointed frantically. The senshi turned around in time to see the large centipede crawling back down the trunk. Uranus grabbed Hotaru and sprinted towards safety.
"What is thaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?" shrieked Sailor Moon, leaping into Tuxedo Mask's arms.
They all avoided the Youma's single minded attack. Haruka passed Hotaru's light form to Michiru and took up an attack pose.
"Get her out of here!" she said to her partner. Michiru nodded and backed away with her ‘daughter' in her arms.
"Space sword blaster!" yelled Sailor Uranus, running towards the Youma. Her sword glowed a bright yellow just before it connected with the Youma's pincer. It sliced cleanly through the armored spike like a knife through butter. The Youma howled and turned toward Uranus with a growl of outrage.
"Mercury Ice Storm!" shouted Ami, spinning in a circle and building up the ice crystals that danced on her fingers. She shot them at the momentarily stunned creature and weaved them over the hard shell. Encased in the crystalline covering, the creature was frozen (an: gomen, bad pun).
"Usako, now!" said Tuxedo Mask.
Usagi nodded and turned to the creature. "Moon Gorgeous Meditation!" The attack homed in on the paralyzed creature and it shattered into dust. "All right!" she said triumphantly.
"Don't gloat, Odango! Horatu is in pain and we need to find out what happened." said Rei, glaring at Usagi.
The senshi found Hotaru a few clearings away with Michiru, now in her human form, sitting next to her. Hotaru had her hand over her arm and a purple glow was filling the wound and healing the damage done in record time. When she finally stopped, her arm looked like nothing had so much as scratched it, let alone buried a razor sharp object into it.
"Hotaru-chan!!!" shouted Chibi-usa, running forward and giving her friend a hug.
"It's good to see you too, Chibi-Usa-chan." Hotaru said with a smile. She looked up and saw Sailor Moon. Her eyes went wide and she stood up. "Usagi-chan! You're ok!" She dashed forward and wrapped her harms around the startled woman.
"Of course I am, Hotaru. Why wouldn't I be?" asked Usagi, very confused.
"You... you're all ok! Thank goodness!" Hotaru said with relief. She was greeted with only puzzled looks.
"Hotaru-chan? Would you mind telling us what happened back there?" asked Haruka.
"I teleported back because I sensed you needed me... and when I landed, I saw Ugly over there. I tried to transform, but it didn't work..." she paused, and her eyes looked into the distance a moment. "Wait. That wasn't the monster from my dream. You guys handled it with no trouble at all. Why was I needed here? Why did I have to leave..." Hotaru's words began to run together and she swayed back and forth, her eyes bleary. "Brock-chan..." she whispered, then fainted.
"The strain of the traveling and healing must have gotten to her." muttered Michiru with a shrug. She lifted the limp girl into her arms again. "Let's put her to bed."
* * *
Hotaru felt the warm lips touch her forehead in a butterfly kiss and she sighed. "Brock-chan, I don't want to leave you here alone."
Brock {Brock? But.. What's he wearing? Something in Hotaru's mind asked.} chuckled warmly. "Hota-chan, my love, you know you have to go. Serenity-sama has called all the scouts to come to the moon. You must keep your vows to her."
Hotaru, in full senshi gear, pouted. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in the front of his tuxedo. "But... I don't want to." she whined playfully.
"Hota-chan! You sound like a little child when you do that." Brock said, a smile and a touch of humor in his voice taking the sting out of his words.
"I know. But I don't want to leave you so soon after our engagement. What if something happens?" Hotaru asked, turning her head to look up into his eyes.
"I don't think anything will happen, my love, and I do hate to part with you... but I swear, if anything happens, I will find you again." He paused and wrapped his purple cloak around Hotaru, hiding all but her head in the billowing folds. "I love you and always will, my Hota-chan." His lips dipped down and captured hers in a passionate last kiss.
When they parted again, Hotaru smiled. "I'll be back before you know it, Brock-chan! Keep smiling for me."
Brock gave her a last wistful look, then winked. "Deal." He turned and walked away, forcing himself to stay calm. After all, she'd only be gone a while, right?
* * *
Hotaru turned on her bed and tossed her sheets off her body. Her mind was still locked on a dream from her past, but somehow she knew she wouldn't like what happened next. Her body tried to rise and her mind screamed "Wake up!" But in the end, weariness won out, and Hotaru watched another memory unfold.
* * *
Hotaru pulled out the amethyst pendant from in her dresser table. After she has arrived at the moon kingdom a week ago, she had found the trinket hidden in her bags. Her eyes had lit up with joy at Brock's thought and she had put it in the drawer for safe keeping. Seeing it always cheered her up on her lonely days at the palace.
None of the other scouts, not even the moon princess, had really tried to get to know her. The only thing that kept her from feeling sorry for herself was the pendant that signified everything waiting for her at home. It was a beautiful shade of violet, completely transparent and carved into the shape of a heart. She hung it on the post next to the mirror.
Pawing through her clothes, she found a dark purple dress to wear to dinner. Though she didn't like dressing up, it was required at the court functions. Slipping the dress on over her head, she turned to the mirror. She picked up the matching gloves that were slung over the mirror itself and put them on. A brush was run through her hair quickly to smooth it down and then she looked over her appearance.
The dress itself was rather plain, but it complimented Hotaru's dark features perfectly. The bodice was tight to the waist, then spread out until it just touched the ground. With the gloves it looked very elegant, but Hotaru felt like something was missing. Her eyes searched the room until they came to rest on the thin gold chain with the amethyst heart. She smiled softly and unhooked it from the post. She brought the clasp behind her head and secured it firmly. It looked perfect.
Dinner was boring as always and Hotaru sat at the end of one of the tables, picking at her food. She would have skipped it all together if she could, but some things were necessary. Also, she didn't dare insult Serentiy-sama, the one person in the castle who had bee especially nice to her. If only her daughter was that nice...maybe then she'd make a good Queen. She looked over to where Usagi sat surrounded by her friends. They were talking and laughing, and every now and then Usagi's eyes would drift over to the handsome prince of Earth.
Hotaru shook her head. Those two were very in love, but neither was quite ready to admit it yet. It had been so much simpler with Brock; he had just asked her one day when they were on their walk. The question had completely floored her at the time and she had stopped mid-step. That hadn't been the smartest thing she had ever done. It resulted in her pitching forward and then... then Brock had caught her. She remembered looking into his brown eyes and nodding mutely. After that, well...
"QUEEN SERENITY!" said a messenger breathlessly, running into the dining room and interrupting her thoughts. "Pluto and Saturn have fallen to a mysterious enemy!"
Hotaru blinked. I... I must have mis-heard...she thought, standing up shakily. "Excuse me sir, but what kind of sick joke is this? Saturn couldn't have fallen... a week ago it was fine. FINE!" Her voice took on a slightly hysterical edge while the boy stared at her blankly. Queen Serenity stood up and gave the Princess of Saturn a look of compassion.
"Is this true?" she asked. The boy nodded.
"There were no survivors."
Hotaru stumbled away from her table, pendant clutched between her fingers. Anguish was etched onto her face as she mouthed something unintelligible. She opened her mouth again, this time screaming loud and clear. "NOOOOOOOOO! BROCK!!!"
* * *
Brock sat bolt upright, almost smacking his head on a tree branch.
"What was that?" he asked in shock. All he could remember was Hota-chan leaving, and then crying himself to sleep. Then... a dream? It had felt real, though. He had seen himself in some kind of a tuxedo. He had seen Hotaru, and heard her, saying that they were engaged. Then she had left to go somewhere...
The Moon Kingdom. his memory supplied for him.
She had left for the moon kingdom. Then his planet had been attacked by some evil witch and her minions had over thrown everyone. To top it off, they had killed him. But he had heard a scream at the end, one that sounded like someone calling his name.
All and all, it was very confusing.
He got up slowly and brushed the leaves and grass now clinging to him. It was be very tempting to him to just sit down and cry again, but he knew crying wouldn't help him find Hotaru again. He pulled some journey rations out of his bag and ate them. He couldn't even taste the bland food, but it didn't matter. Brock was lost in thought trying to come up with any way he could get to his Hota-chan again.
While he was thinking, his dream crept back into his mind and a new scene played began to play behind his eyes.
* * *
He could see an army approaching. The ranks were made up of hideous demons and horrific creatures that looked part human. Leading them was a woman with flaming red hair and evil eyes.
When they reached the castle, the defenses were ready. As every inhabitant held their breath, the woman came forward and stopped at the gate.
"Send out your commanding officer!" She barked in a rough voice.
Brock took a deep breath and walked out to meet the new threat. His armor, specially made for the leader of the Saturn army, shone brightly in the quickly fading light. A stray sun beam hit the sign of Saturn on his chest and the silver in it glowed like fire.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"Your cooperation." she said with a smirk. "Surrender to the Negaverse and you will all be spared. You, sir, might even make a general someday."
Brock looked at her blankly. "No way! Wait...Negaverse? What in the name of the moon is that?"
The woman's smile faded. "Sorry to be trite, boy, but it's your worst nightmare. You Saturnians are of no value to me. The energy it takes to turn unwilling people into my slaves isn't worth wasting on you. Feel the wrath of Queen Beryl!" Her finger arched forward and pointed at Brock, sending a small blast of black flame at him.
He didn't move as the flame dove at him and smiled as it hit him squarely on the symbol on his chest. The armor glowed briefly and absorbed the energy. As the evil Queen stared in shock, the single man whispered a word and the energy was thrown back at her, this time a sparkling purple. She yelped and dodged it, then turned to glare at him.
"You'll pay for that! Negaforce, attack!"
Brock retreated back into the castle. The army he commanded prepared for the onslaught with grim faces, eyes set with determination. The horde outside battered at the gates, and when they found them unbreakable, began scaling the walls. With the flying creatures harassing the men posted at the top of the castle, many demons and youmas were able to make it into the castle.
Despite the long and brave battle fought, a youma managed to raise the gate of the main castle entrance. From there, it was just a matter of time until the castle was overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
When the castle had been subdued, the queen had Brock brought before her.
"So we meet again, cocky human. Thought you could save your pitiful excuse for a planet? I think not. At this very moment, every subject we can find is being drained of their energy to feed the Negaverse. You have lost, but I will spare you if you pledge fealty to me."
Brock looked at her, then turned his face up to the stars. "I am loyal only to my Princess." he said.
"So be it." said Beryl, smiling wickedly. A youma rushed forward on her unspoken command and plunged it's long, sharp claws through Brock's back. Though the armor was strong and made to protect against magical attacks, physical ones of this strength were another matter. The youma, Kyurene, smiled evilly and removed her claws. Another sharp jab pushed the claws all the way through his back and out the other side.
Brock's mouth opened in a silent scream of pain and the faint red trickle of blood dripping down his chin soon became the only color left on his face. She twisted her claws slightly and Brock's spear fell from nerveless fingers. It landed on the ground in front of him and soon the youma blood on it was covered in with his own. His eyes were shut in a grimace of agony, and when the youma removed her claws the final time, Brock lurched forward and hit the ground. His eyes quickly dimmed as wave after wave of searing pain coursed through him. The grass around him turned a menacing black that showed highlights of red when the last rays of light struck it. His final thought, though, was for his true love : I'll find you again, dearest. I promise.
* * *
Hotaru woke, her thin frame wracked with sobs. Her adopted mother, Michiru, was sitting next to her looking very worried.
"Hota-chan?" she asked softly.
"Don't call me that!" Hotaru said, shutting her eyes. "Please, Michiru-mama. Just... don't."
"Ok, Hotaru." Michiru replied, looking confused and a little bit hurt.
Hotaru sat up shakily and gave the Senshi of Neptune a hug. "Forget I said anything. How are the rest of the scouts?"
"They're fine. You were the only one hurt while fighting that creature. Tell me, Hotaru, why weren't you transformed?"
"I think I should tell all of the Sailor Senshi about this, Michiru." Hotaru replied gravely.
When the senshi were gathered, she told them all about her trip to the different universe. She told them about her dreams and experiences, leaving out only the one where Rei had hit Usagi and her relationship with Brock. The senshi were shocked and could only stare at Hotaru for a few minutes.
"But... but why would this, even as bad as it was, stop you from transforming?" asked Minako.
"I'm not sure." replied Hotaru, "But lately I've been having dreams about my past. A past I haven't even remembered until now. That might have something to do with it."
"Dreams? About what?" prompted Haruka.
Pluto looked up from the back of the room where she had been standing. "About Brock." she said tonelessly.
All the senshi looked confused.
"Who?" asked Usagi.
"My betrothed before Saturn was taken by Queen Beryl." Hotaru murmured. "You and the rest of the Senshi there never really asked me about him. I'm not surprised you don't know of him."
Pluto fidgeted and moved closer to the other scouts. "I'm not really sure, but I don't think you two were supposed to meet in this lifetime. I'm afraid your transport had weakened the time stream, and I think that is what will unleash this dark creature on us."
"You see," Pluto went on, "travelling through dimensions is like... oh, tearing a hole in the wall. You can patch that hole back up, but it's never as strong as it once was. And that means that things that would not normally be able to get in can. That's what will enable the evil to reach us."
Hotaru paled. "Gomen nasai, minna-chan, but I'm... I'm glad I got to meet Brock-chan, even if it was only for a little while." She tilted her head and smiled slightly. "I'm sure you'd all like him."
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